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Tuesday 29 May 2012

Thousands Flocked to Mapledurham Jubilee Fete

Reading East Conservative Chairman, Alison Swaddle (right) & me
On Saturday over 2,500 people flocked to Mapledurham Playing Fields for the first fete in decades.  The Warren & District Residents’ Association (WADRA) organised and ran the fete to raise awareness and money for building a new community hall to replace the Pavilion.

The fete which was opened at noon by Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East, had a huge variety of activities, stalls and entertainment.  On the day over £4,500 of profit was made and this will increase further with the sale of the professionally taken fete photos, where 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the charity.  These may be viewed and ordered via www.wadra.org.uk  Raffle ticket numbers of unclaimed raffle prizes may also be found on WADRA’s website.  Prizes that remain unclaimed after 15th June will be re-used in subsequent events.

People came from all over Reading and further afield making it a truly multicultural event enjoying the fabulous weather and everything on offer.  Visitors were able to try out 6 different sports with demos and coaching sessions from clubs covering the town.

There was a full line up of live entertainment on the stage with 4 bands and 4 dance & drama displays viewed lying on the grass or from the comfort of straw bales.  Also included in the day was a display of classic and vintage cars.

Children enjoyed the face painting, skittles and treasure hunt as well as the bouncy castle and craft stall.  The bar was very popular and there was a wonderful mix of food ranging from a traditional BBQ to Asian food, with cakes and strawberries too.

Elisa Miles, fund raising event coordinator, said “It was great to see so many people on the playing fields having a wonderful time.  All the preparation paid off and I thank the many volunteers, RBC’s Parks Department, local groups and businesses for making it such a success!  Our next event is our 2nd dinner dance on 16th June which sold out months ago.”

Speaking as the newly elected Mapledurham Ward councillor as well as being a member of the fund raising group, it was thoroughly enjoyable helping Elisa and the rest of the team.  My husband and other Conservatives helped me run the skittles stall which raised £170.70 for the replacement hall.   We are always on the look out for new fund raising ideas and would welcome more volunteers, businesses and clubs to join us to help make a new hall for the community a reality.

Update:  You can read the Post's coverage here